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Chapter 1

Defining the policy objective

Part 4

Has effective consultation with the public occurred?

Public consultation should take place.

Public consultation is key to ensuring that the Government has all the information it requires to make good law. Information should be made available to the public (those outside government) in a manner that enables people affected by the proposed legislation to make their views known. An effective consultation programme can contribute to higher-quality legislation, the identification of more effective alternatives, lower administration costs, better compliance, increased public “buy in”, and faster regulatory responses.